Loyalty Point Expiration Guide: Do Your Points Expire?

Understanding when your loyalty points expire is crucial for maximizing their value. Losing points is like throwing money away! This guide outlines the expiration policies for popular credit card rewards and airline frequent flyer programs.

Credit Card Points Expiration

Generally, flexible credit card points (like Amex MR or Chase UR) don't expire as long as you keep at least one card associated with that program open and in good standing. However, closing your only card in a program can lead to forfeiture of points.

Inactivity usually means no earning or redeeming points.

Airline Points Expiration

Airline mile expiration policies vary significantly. Some never expire, while others require account activity within a specific timeframe, and some have hard expiration dates regardless of activity.

Inactivity usually means no earning or redeeming miles within the specified period. Check the details for specific program rules.

How to Keep Your Points and Miles From Expiring

Many loyalty programs set expiration dates on points or miles if your account sits idle for too long. The good news is that there are several reliable ways to keep your rewards active. The right method depends on the program, so always double-check the terms before taking action.

Use Flexible Credit Card Points

One of the easiest ways to prevent expiration is to transfer points from a flexible rewards program into your airline or hotel account. Both American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards® let you move points directly to travel partners.

• Transfers usually require a minimum of 1,000 points.
• AmEx occasionally runs transfer bonuses to hotel programs, adding extra value.

By sending even a small transfer, you reset the expiration clock on your loyalty account.

Choose Low- or No-Fee Credit Cards

If you do not already carry a premium card, several low-cost options still allow you to transfer points to partners. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has a modest $95 annual fee and earns points that can be moved to many airline and hotel programs.

When shopping for a card, look at both the transfer flexibility and the welcome bonus, since those initial offers can significantly boost your points balance.

Other Transfer Programs

Chase and AmEx are not the only options. Both Citi ThankYou® Rewards and Capital One Miles allow transfers to airline and hotel partners as well.

If you have hotel points you are unlikely to use, you may be able to transfer them to airlines to keep your miles alive. Participating programs include:

• Marriott Bonvoy
• World of Hyatt
• Hilton Honors
• IHG One Rewards
• Wyndham Rewards

Keep in mind that each program has its own transfer ratios, so you may not receive a one-to-one conversion.

Use Co-Branded Credit Cards

Some airlines are not widely connected to transferable points programs. In those cases, a co-branded credit card can be the simplest way to generate activity.

For instance, American Airlines AAdvantage® miles can only be transferred in from Marriott Bonvoy. If you do not hold Marriott points, applying for a co-branded card ensures ongoing earning activity.

A popular option is the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®, which comes with:

• $99 annual fee (waived the first year)
• Welcome bonus of 80,000 miles after $3,500 in purchases within the first 4 months (limited-time offer)

Regular spending on the card keeps your AAdvantage account active, while also helping you earn toward your next trip.

Key Takeaway

Points and miles can disappear if your account sits idle, but avoiding expiration is usually simple. Keep track of your accounts, set up alerts if available, and take proactive steps — whether by transferring points, making a small purchase, or using a co-branded card. That way, your rewards will always be ready when you are.

*Disclaimer: Always use credit responsibly. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.